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Preparing a Discovery Grant Application,
Discovery Grant Results, and NSERC News
Philip Bale, Program Officer, Physics Evaluation Group
Rawni Sharp, Team Lead, Environmental Sciences
NSERC 2018
How to prepare a
Discovery Grant Application
Life Cycle of a Discovery Grant Application
Submission of
notification of
intent to apply
(due Aug. 1)
August September October November
December January February April
Internal
assignment to EG
Selection of
external reviewers
and preliminary
joint review
discussions
Submission of
application
(due Nov. 1)
Members receive
applications and
begin reviewing
Members review
applications and
external reviewer
reports are
received
Announcement
of results
Grants
competition
Notification of Intent to Apply (NOI)
Overview
Deadline: August 1st - Mandatory
Main components:
– Research topics, keywords, title
– Summary of proposal
– Suggested external reviewers
– Canadian Common CV (CCV)
Submission:
– Research Portal
Notification of Intent to Apply
Purpose
Facilitates preliminary assignments:
- to an Evaluation Group
- of internal reviewers
- of external reviewers
First indication of joint review
- Informed by research topics, keywords, and
proposal summary
First review of subject matter eligibility
Genes, Cells and Molecules (1501)
Biological Systems and Functions (1502)
Evolution and Ecology (1503)
Chemistry (1504)
Physics (1505)
Geosciences (1506)
Computer Science (1507)
Mathematics and Statistics (1508)
Civil, Industrial and Systems Engineering (1509)
Electrical and Computer Engineering (1510)
Materials and Chemical Engineering (1511)
Mechanical Engineering (1512)
Notification of Intent to Apply
Joint Reviews - Evaluation Groups
Notification of Intent to Apply
Tips
Select appropriate research topics
– First selected must be from suggested EG
– Helps identify potential joint reviews
Submit a detailed summary
– Helps internal reviewers select appropriate external
reviewers
– Helps identify potential joint reviews
Notification of Intent to Apply
Tips for selecting external reviewers
Be mindful of conflicts of interest
– Reviewers outside your institution (primary & adjunct)
– Adhere to NSERC guidelines (e.g., six-year window)
Identify the best expertise
– Ability to comment/review with confidence
Consider diversity in your selection
– National, International
– Private, government, public sectors
– Gender
– Under-represented groups
– Established, mid career, early career researchers
Discovery Grant Application
Overview
Deadline: November 1st - internal deadlines are earlier
Main components:
– Application for a grant
– Research proposal
– Samples of research contributions
– Budget and justification
– Canadian Common CV (CCV)
Submission:
– Research Portal
Grants Competition
Review Process
Step 1: Merit Assessment
Three equally weighted criteria:
- Excellence of the Researcher
- Merit of the Proposal
- Contribution to Training of Highly Qualified
Personnel (HQP)
Uses six-point scale
– From exceptional to insufficient
Grants Competition
Review Process
Merit Indicators “Grid”
Section
Chair
Program
Officer
First Internal
Reader
Reader
Reader
Second Internal
Excellence
Exceptional
Exceptional
Outstanding Outstanding
Very Strong
Conflicts?
Merit
Outstanding
Outstanding
Very Strong Very Strong
Very Strong
HQP
Outstanding
Outstanding
Very Strong Very Strong
Moderate
Non-participating
member
!
!
Grants Competition
Conference Model
Step 1: Merit assessment Exceptional Outstanding Very Strong Strong Moderate Insufficient
Excellence of the
researcher
Merit of the
proposal
Contribution to the
training of HQP
X X X X
X X X X X
X
X X X X X
Outstanding – Very Strong – Very Strong
Funding Bin A B C D E F G H I J K ... P
Value …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$
Step 2: Funding Recommendation
Grants Competition
Review Process
Discovery Grant Application
Excellence of the Researcher
Assessment based on achievements demonstrated over the
past six years.
Knowledge, expertise, and experience
Quality and impact of contributions to Natural Sciences
and Engineering (NSE) research
Importance of contributions to researchers and end-users
Discovery Grant Application
Excellence of the Researcher
Members will assess this using information from:
Most significant contributions
– Highlighted quality and impact
Samples of research contributions
– Up to 4 attached with application *within the last 6 years*
CCV contributions, recognitions, activities
– Additional information on contributions in application
Discovery Grant Application
Merit of the Proposal
Assessment based on the following elements:
Originality and innovation
Significance and expected contributions to
research
Clarity, scope of objectives, and appropriateness
of methodology
Feasibility
Appropriateness and justification for the budget
Relationship to other research support
Discovery Grant Application
Merit of the Proposal
Relationship to other research support
– Budget requested in DG is for different expenses
than the ones supported (or to be supported) by
other sources.
– The DG proposal is distinct conceptually from
research supported (or to be supported) by CIHR
and/or SSHRC.
– *New in CY2017* For CIHR Foundation Grant
holders or applicants only: convincing evidence that
support from DG is essential to carry out the work
proposed.
Discovery Grant Application
Merit of the Proposal
Members will assess this using information from:
Research proposal (5 pages)
– List of references (2 pages)
Proposed expenditures and budget
justification
Relationship to other research support
– CIHR and/or SSHRC summary and budget pages
– CCV research funding history
Discovery Grant Application
Subject Matter Eligibility
NSERC supports research whose major challenges lie in the natural
sciences and engineering (NSE), other than the health sciences.
The intended objective(s) of the research must primarily be to
advance knowledge in one or more of the NSE disciplines.
Applicants should refer to:
− Selecting the Appropriate Federal Granting Agency
− *Updated* Addendum to the Guidelines for the Eligibility of
Applications Related to Health.
• The Addendum provides examples that illustrate the eligibility
of applications related to human health.
Discovery Grant Application
Contributions to the training of HQP
Assessment is based on both:
the past contributions to training; and
the future plans for training
Quality research training at all levels are valued,
including: Undergraduate students involved in research
Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
Technicians and research associates
Other research personnel from non-academic sectors i.e.
government, or industry
Discovery Grant Application
Contributions to the training of HQP
Past contributions to the training of HQP
Assessment based on training over the past six years
**New Instructions in CY2017 **
Include three components:
1. Training environment
2. HQP awards and research contributions
3. Outcomes and skills gained by HQP
Discovery Grant Application
Contributions to the training of HQP
Past contributions to the training of HQP
Other items to consider:
Explain the level, context, and role in supervision and
co-supervision
Note impact of delays in training (those taken by the
applicant or HQP)
Focus on quality and impact of training
Members are instructed not to rate Early Career
Researchers (ECRs) as Insufficient solely due to a limited
past record of contributions to the training of HQP.
Discovery Grant Application
Contributions to the training of HQP Future plans for training
**New Instructions in CY2017**
Include two components:
1. Training Philosophy
2. Research Training Plan
Focus on quality, suitability and clarity of plan
Must be planned training in the NSE
Define your role in any planned co-supervision
Encourage approaches that promote increased
inclusion and advancement of women and other
under-represented groups in NSE
Discovery Grant Application
Contributions to the training of HQP
Evaluation Group will assess HQP using
information from:
Application:
− Past contributions to HQP training
− HQP training plan
CCV
− Supervisory activities and contributions
– Trained HQP who co-authored should be identified
with an asterisk “*”
– Do not use “academic advisor”
Discovery Grant Application
Tips
Read other successful applications
Ask colleagues and/or your RGO for
comments on your application
– Ask both experts in your field and non-experts to
review
Plan ahead and check institutional deadlines
Use the resources available
Discovery Grant Application
Delays
Applicant delays are recorded in the CCV,
under the Employment section
HQP delays are recorded in the HQP section of
the application
In both cases, clearly explain
– the duration (i.e., start/end dates)
– the impact on your research (e.g., dissemination of
results, ability to recruit HQP)
Discovery Grant Application
Available Resources
Discovery Grants Information Centre
Resource Videos
Peer Review Manual
– Includes information on each of the three criteria and
the merit indicators
HQP FAQ Document
Webinars on how to apply
– NOI and full application stages (French and English)
2018 Competition Results
2018 Competition Results
Peer Review – Thank You!
3200+ Discovery Grants Applications =
- 400+ Evaluation Group Members
- 16 000+ Reviews by EG members
- 8700+ External Reviewers Reports
32
2018 Competition Results
Overall – Discovery Grants
Early Career
Researchers
Established Researchers Total
Returning Not Holding a
Grant
# of applications 677 1635 901 3213
# of awards 433 1366 326 2125
Success Rate 64% 84% 36% 66%
* Results presented are not official
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
A-C D E F G H I J K L M N-P
% a
pp
licat
ion
s
quality bin
ERR
ER-NHG
ECR
Female* Male* Not indicated
Early Career
Researchers (ECR)
Number
of awards 106 208 119
Success rate 60% 63% 69%
Established
Researchers (ER)
Number
of awards
315 1054 323
Success rate
70% 67% 62%
*Data from CCV. NSERC is committed to using more gender inclusive language in
the future.
2018 Competition Results
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
* Results presented are not official
2018 Competition Results
Research Tools and Instruments (RTI)
RTI grants foster and enhance the discovery, innovation
and training capability of university researchers in the
NSE by supporting the purchase of research equipment.
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Budget $19.5M $25M $26M $30.5M $25.1M
# Appl. 468 666 657 748 1000+
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Budget $19.5M $25M $26M $30.5M $25.1M
# Appl. 468 666 657 748 1043
# Funded 176 218 215 241 208
Success
Rate 38% 33% 33% 32% 20%
Funding
Rate 38% 34% 33% 33% 21%
2018 Competition Results
Research Tools and Instruments (RTI)
* Results presented are not official
NSERC
Discovery Updates
Discovery Grant Updates
NSERC Leave Policies Primary Caregivers (Pilot)
Researchers who become primary caregivers following the birth or adoption of a child and who are eligible for maternity or parental leave but decline the leave, may be eligible to receive a one-year grant extension with funds
Family and Medical Leave
Grant holders who plan to take family-related leave or medical leave may
be eligible for a grant extension with funds for up to two years.
Paid Maternity / Parental Leave for Students and Postdoctoral Fellows paid from Grants
Students and Postdoctoral fellows who are supported by NSERC grants and are eligible may receive up to 6 months of paid maternity / parental leave.
The leave supplement will be paid by NSERC.
Discovery Grant Updates Early Career Researcher - New DG definition
Early Career Researchers (ECR) are applicants who
have held an independent academic position for three
years or less and who meet the NSERC - Eligibility
Criteria for Faculty at the time of submitting the
Notification of Intent to Apply for a Discovery Grant
(NOI).
For example, for the 2019 competition, to be classified
as an ECR, a researcher submitting an NOI in August
2018 would have been hired on or after July 2015.
Applicants are given the opportunity to indicate their
“Suggested Applicant Category” along with an
explanation at the time of submitting a full application.
Discovery Grant Updates
ECR extension option with funds
ECRs re-applying for the first time will now have the
option of extending their DG by one year with
funds
Goal: Allow early stage researchers additional time
to better establish themselves and their research
program before re-applying to the Discovery Grant
program as established researchers
Application received by reviewers
Discovery Grant Updates
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Canadian Common CV
• Selection of Sex in personal information within CCV is now mandatory
• Sex identification is NOT shared with reviewers; it is used only for
statistical purposes.
Discovery Grant Updates Highly Qualified Personnel – Literature Change
**New Instructions in CY2017**
Rewording of current HQP criterion
− Instructions to Applicants
− Peer Review Manual
Objective:
Applicants – better description of what is expected
Members – clearer information for review
Discovery Grant Updates Relationship to Other Research Support
**New from CY2017**
Clarified instructions for the applicant and for
committee members (Instructions to Applicants, Peer
Review Manual).
– Expenses proposed in the DG application must not be
supported (or submitted for support) by other sources
– The Discovery Grants Program does not support
research ideas/objectives that are already funded (or
submitted for funding) by CIHR and/or SSHRC.
CIHR Foundation Grant Holders or Applicants must
explain why support from DG is essential to carry out
the work proposed.
Discovery Updates
RTI Program Update
Changes to RTI selection criteria
– Reduction in the number of selection criteria from
five (5) to three (3)
– Applied weighting for each criterion
– The weighted scoring method will better guide
Selection Committee members during review
– Will provide applicants with more detailed scoring
on their proposals to help improve subsequent
applications
Research Portal open in August
2018 Competition Results
Discovery Accelerator Supplements
DAS provides resources to researchers who: – Have highly original and innovative research programs
– Show strong potential to become international leaders within their field
$120,000 - over three years
Up to 125 Supplements per year
Each EG will receive a quota of DAS nominations to
recommend
EG members nominate candidates and members
vote during competition. Executive Committee makes
the final recommendation to NSERC
2018 Competition Results
Northern Research Supplements (NRS)
Objective:
To augment and promote Canadian university-based northern
research, training, and outreach by recognizing the added costs
unique to conducting research in the Canadian North
Description:
New Application Process CY 2019: apply as part of DG application
within Research Portal - no longer a separate application through On-
Line System
$10,000 to $25,000/year for duration of the DG: amount based on
combination of logistical costs and recognizing outstanding
contributions to outreach and interactions with Northerners
Contact: EnviroSciences-SciencesEnviro@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
Objective:
Assists with high costs associated with chartering research
vessels in Canada and abroad
Funds access to research vessels in support of
on-going Discovery research programs
Description:
Applicants must hold a Discovery Grant (or be successful in
current competition)
Duration usually one year
Results announced late November each year
Deadline: September 1st
Contact: EnviroSciences-SciencesEnviro@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
2018 Competition Results
Ship Time Program
Supporting discovery-based research
20 supplements at $40,000 per year for 3 years
Eligibility
− Researchers applying to current DG competition
− Proposed research must fit within DND defence and
security target areas
Internal DND committee will select recipients
Results will be announced in the spring
Contact: dndsuppmdn@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
Discovery Grant Updates DND/NSERC Discovery Grant supplement
NSERC Updates
Agency Programs Over five
years Ongoing/year
NSERC $354.7 million $90.1 million
CIHR $354.7 million $90.1 million
SSHRC $215.5 million $54.8 million
Tri-councils New EDI initiatives $21 million --
Tri-councils New research fund $275 million $65 million
Tri-councils Colleges (CCI) $140 million --
Tri-councils CRC (early career) $210 million $50 million
Tri-councils Research support fund $231.3 million $58.8 million
Federal Budget 2018 Investing in Canadian Scientists and Researchers
NSERC Discovery Grants Funding
(millions of dollars)
* Includes additional funding received resulting from Federal Budget 2014 and 2016 ** Projected expenditures for 2018-2019
300
310
320
330
340
350
360
370
380
390
400
$ M
illi
on
s
Fiscal Year
Individual, Teams and Projects Discovery Accelerator Supplements
$35 million or 10% increase
Other Updates: Open Access
Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications http://www.science.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_F6765465.html
• Researchers must make articles freely available online
within 12 months of publication
• Applies to all grants awarded May 1, 2015 and onward
• How to comply:
─ Deposit peer-reviewed manuscript in a repository; and/or
─ Submit final, peer-reviewed manuscript to journal that offers
open access within 12 months
Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.science.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_42701EA6.html
Toolbox: http://www.science.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_ECEFDFAA.html
Contact: openaccess@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
Other Updates: Data Management
Based on research community feedback, the Tri-Agency
Statement of Principles on Digital Data Management was
released in June 2016.
http://www.science.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_83F76
24E.html?OpenDocument
NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR are currently seeking input
from the research community on draft policy text and how
best to realize the principles presented in the Statement.
http://www.science.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_547652FB.
html
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strengthen the scientific
and engineering communities and the quality, social relevance
and impact of research.
Visit NSERC’s EDI website for resources:
NSERC News Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• NSERC’s EDI framework
• Training modules and tools
• Related programs and awards
• Events, such as Gender Summit
Other Updates:
Upcoming Deadlines for 2018
Notification/Letter of Intent Deadlines
Discovery Grants - (August 1st)
Subatomic Physics Major Resources Support Program
(August 1st)
Subatomic Physics – RTI (Category 2 & 3) (August 1st)
Other Updates:
Upcoming Deadlines for 2018
Application Deadlines
NSERC Awards for Science Promotion (TBD)
Ship Time Program (September 4th)
PromoScience (September 15th )
Research Tools & Instruments (and Subatomic Physics
Category 1) (October 25th)
Discovery Grants - (November 1st)
Northern Research Supplements Program (November 1st )
Over to you…
• Questions?
• Comments?
• Advice?
63
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ask your questions
in the official
language of your
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